Prosthetics

ABSTRACT

Methods of operating a prosthesis ( 10   a ) having at least one moveable component ( 12 ) and an electronic control device ( 18 ) are provided, where the at least one moveable component ( 12 ) has two or more operating modes ( 30 ) and at least one operating parameter ( 28 ). The method comprises receiving at least one input control signal (p 1 ,p 2 ,pn) from the wearer of the prosthesis ( 10   a ), comparing the at least one input control signal (p 1 ,p 2 ,pn) with an operating profile ( 26 ) stored in the electronic control device in order to determine a desired operating mode ( 30 ) and operating parameter ( 28 ), and instructing the moveable component ( 12 ) to move in accordance with the desired operating mode ( 30 ) and operating parameter ( 28 ). Prostheses are also provided, at least one such prosthesis ( 10   a ) comprising at least one moveable component ( 12 ) and an electronic device ( 18 ) operable to select both an operating mode ( 30 ) of the at least one moveable component ( 12 ) and at least one operating parameter ( 28 ) of the at least one moveable component ( 12 ) in response to an input command signal (P) from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The present invention relates to a prosthesis, particularly, but notexclusively, a hand prosthesis.

Prosthetic hands with powered digits are known. For example, WO2007/063266 and WO 1995/24875 disclose a prosthesis with a mechanicallyoperated digit member that is moved by an electric motor. The prosthesisis capable of operating in a number of modes, such as function modes(grasp, pinch, etc.) and gesture modes (point etc.).

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved prosthesishaving a motor driven digit member.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof operating a prosthesis having at least one moveable component and anelectronic control device, the at least one moveable component havingtwo or more operating modes and at least one operating parameter, themethod comprising:

-   -   receiving at least one input control signal from the wearer of        the prosthesis;    -   comparing the at least one input control signal with an        operating profile stored in the electronic control device in        order to determine a desired operating mode and operating        parameter; and    -   instructing the moveable component to move in accordance with        the desired operating mode and operating parameter.

The method may further further comprise the steps of:

-   -   storing input control signals received so as to establish an        input control signal pattern; and    -   predicting a desired operating mode and operating parameter        based upon the input control signal pattern upon receiving the        at least one control signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The method may further comprise a final step of sending a feedbacksignal to the wearer of the prosthesis, the feedback signal indicativeof the selected operating mode and operating parameter.

The operating profile may be divided into a plurality of regions, eachregion representing a separate operating mode and operating parameter,and wherein the comparison step comprises plotting in one of theplurality of regions a resultant input command signal based upon the oneor more input control signals, and determining the operating mode andoperating parameter associated with that region.

The at least one input control signal may be generated by one or moresensors attached to the wearer of the prosthesis.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided aprosthesis comprising:

-   -   at least one moveable component, the component having two or        more operating modes and at least one operating parameter; and    -   an electronic control device storing an operating profile;    -   wherein the control device receives at least one input control        signal from a wearer of the prosthesis, compares the at least        one input control signal with the operating profile to determine        a desired operating mode and operating parameter for the        component, and instructs the component to move in accordance        with the desired operating mode and operating parameter.

The electronic control device may include a memory for storing inputcontrol signals received so as to establish an input control signalpattern, and a program which predicts a desired operating mode andoperating parameter based upon the input control signal pattern uponreceiving the at least one control signal from the wearer of theprosthesis.

The electronic control device may include a signal generator which sendsa feedback signal to the wearer of the prosthesis, the feedback signalindicative of the selected operating mode and operating parameter.

The prosthesis may further comprise one or more sensors attached to thewearer of the prosthesis for the generation of the at least one inputcontrol signal.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided aprosthesis comprising:

-   -   at least one moveable component, wherein the at least one        moveable component has two or more operating modes and at least        one operating parameter; and    -   an electronic device operable to select both an operating mode        of the at least one moveable component and at least one        operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in        response to an input command signal from the wearer of the        prosthesis.

The moveable component may be a digit of a hand prosthesis. The digitmay be a finger or a thumb of a hand prosthesis. The digits may bemoveable relative to a body part to which they are attached. The digitsmay be rotatably and/or pivotably moveable relative to a body part towhich they are attached. The body part may be attachable to the wearerof the prosthesis.

The prosthesis may be configured such that it is attachable to apartial-hand amputee. That is, the prosthesis may be arranged such thatit is attachable to a wearer who is missing one or more fingers or athumb from their hand, with the moveable components replacing themissing fingers or thumb.

The moveable component may be a body part to which a digit may beattached. The moveable component may be a hand chassis. The moveablecomponent may be a wrist or cuff component. The body part or handchassis may be rotatably attachable to the wearer of the prosthesis.

The term operating mode is considered here to mean an operating movementof the moveable component in response to an input command signal fromthe wearer of the prosthesis. When the prosthesis comprises two or moremoveable components, the term operating mode is considered to mean theoperational interaction between the moveable components in response toan input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

Each operating mode provides for a discrete operating movement of themoveable component. When the prosthesis comprises two or more moveablecomponents, each operating mode provides for a discrete operationalinteraction between the moveable components. The operational interactionbetween the moveable components may include functional tasks that thewearer of the prosthesis wishes the components to perform, such aspressing the components together in a pinching action, or moving thecomponents to a desired position to create a gesture, such as pointing.

The term operating parameter is considered here to mean an operatingcondition of the moveable component in response to an input commandsignal from the wearer of the prosthesis. The operating parameter of themoveable component may include its speed, acceleration, deceleration,force, operating duration, amount of extension, amount of flexion, angleof rotation etc.

The operating parameter of the moveable component may be proportional tothe input command signal. That is, the operating condition of themoveable component may be proportional to the input command signal.

The electronic device may be operable to select both the operating modeof the at least one moveable component and the operating parameters ofthe moveable components in response to an input command signal from thewearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to simultaneously select both theoperating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to select both the operating modeof the at least one moveable component and the at least one operatingparameter of at least one moveable component in response to a singleinput command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The at least one moveable component may have a plurality of operatingmodes.

The prosthesis may comprise a plurality of moveable components. Eachmoveable component may have two or more operating modes and at least oneoperating parameter.

Each moveable component may have a plurality of operating parameters.

The electronic device may be operable to select one of the plurality ofoperating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to select one of the plurality ofoperating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto a predetermined input command signal from the wearer of theprosthesis.

Each predetermined input command signal may result in selection of acorresponding predetermined operating mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and at least one operating parameter of the at least onemoveable component.

The input command signal may comprise two or more input signals from thewearer of the prosthesis. The input command signal may comprise aplurality of input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided viaone or more switches. The switches may be analogue or digital switches.The switches may be actuated by residual movement of the wearer of theprosthesis, wrist and/or shoulder movement of the wearer of theprosthesis, movement of the remnant digits and/or knuckles, or the like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided byelectrophysiological signals derived from the activity of, or from,surface electromyographic (EMG) and intramuscular activity of residualmuscle actions of the wearer of the prosthesis, electroneurographic(ENG) activity of residual peripheral nerves of the wearer of theprosthesis, signals derived from one or more neural implants in thewearer of the prosthesis implanted in the brain or spinal cord, EMGactivity from reinnervated muscles, muscles of the feet and/or chest, orthe like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided bynon-electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of pressuresensitive resistors on the wearer of the prosthesis, near infraredspectroscopy signal, or bend sensitive resistors on the wearer of thebody to capture any residual movement of the digits, wrist, elbow orshoulder of the wearer of the prosthesis, or the like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provideddirectly by signals derived from neural, spinal or muscular activity,for example, electromyographic (EMG) activity of hand muscle/forearmmuscle actions, or residual muscle actions, of the wearer of theprosthesis recorded non-invasively from the surface of the skin orinvasively from superficial or deep muscular structures with usingneedle or an array of needle electrodes. The prosthesis may becontrolled by the activity of any combination of intrinsic and extrinsichand muscle group, such as muscles in the thenar and hypothenar muscles,the interossei muscles originating between the metacarpal bones, thelong flexors and extensors in the forearm, e.g. extensor pollicis longusmuscle, extensor/flexor indicis muscle, or the like.

The input signals may be the results, or signature, of the recordedsignal of a mathematical operation on the electrophysiological ornon-electrophysiological measurements from the wearer of the prosthesis.For example, if the measurement is an EMG signal, the signature of theEMG may be the amplitude or the energy of the signal.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the time domain may be:amplitude (Mean absolute value of EMG and all its variations), energy(Square integral, Variance, Root means square (RMS)), number of zerocrossing, Wilson amplitude, waveform length, slope sign change, orhistogram of EMG.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the frequency domainmay be: autoregressive and spectral coefficients or median and meanfrequency.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the time-frequency maybe: coefficients of the short time Fourier transform, or discrete orcontinuous wavelet coefficients.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in higher order statisticsmay be: skewness or kurtosis of EMG or any other highereven-or-odd-order statistics, entropy or negentropy.

These signatures and others may be repeated for each of the inputsignals to the algorithm. Any combination of static and dynamicsignature extraction may also be used.

It should also be appreciated that the above signatures may be extractedand a dimensionality reduction technique may be used, such as principalcomponent analysis, to reduce to input dimensions to 2,3, . . . etc.

The electronic device may include a predetermined operating profile ofthe prosthesis. The electronic device may include one or morepredetermined operating profiles.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis mayinclude an operating profile of the input command signal, operating modeof the moveable component and operating parameter(s) of the moveablecomponent of the prosthesis.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may bebased on one or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis toproduce an input command signal which results in selection of both theoperating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component.

The electronic device may be operable to modify the, or each,predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis to a modifiedoperating profile. In this arrangement the electronic device may beoperable to modify the, or each, predetermined operating profile to anew operating profile that the wearer of the prosthesis finds easier tooperate. The modification of the, or each, predetermined operatingprofile may be reinforcement learning, iterative learning, co-adaptivecontrol or the like.

The electronic device may be operable to switch between two or morepredetermined operating profiles.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may bebased on one or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis toproduce an input command signal which results in simultaneous selectionof both the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and atleast one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.

The electronic device may be further operable to produce an outputsignal indicative of the operating mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and/or the operating parameter of the at least one moveablecomponent.

The electronic device may be further operable to produce an outputsignal indicative of the operating mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and the operating parameters of the moveable component.

The electronic device may be further operable to communicate the outputsignal to the wearer of the prosthesis.

The output signal may be communicated to the wearer of the prosthesisvisually, kinaesthetically, aurally or neurally.

The output signal may be communicated non-invasively to the wearer ofthe prosthesis via electro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation of thebody skin. The electro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation to the bodyskin may be provided at the forearm, shoulder, neck, or the like.

The electronic device may be further operable to process the inputcommand signal from the wearer of the prosthesis. The electronic devicemay be further operable to process the input signals from the wearer ofthe prosthesis.

The electronic device may be further operable to pre-process the inputsignals from the wearer of the prosthesis. The electronic device may befurther operable to pre-process the input signals from the wearer of theprosthesis to predict the intended input command signal. The electronicdevice may be further operable to select both an operating mode of theat least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter ofthe at least one moveable component in response to the predicted inputcommand signal.

The electronic device may include a processor. The processor may beoperable to control the operation of the prosthesis. The processor maybe operable to control the operation of the moveable component of theprosthesis. The processor may be operable to select both the operatingmode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operatingparameter of the at least one moveable component in response to theinput command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may include firmware. The firmware may be operableto control the operation of the prosthesis. The firmware may be operableto control the operation of the moveable component of the prosthesis.The firmware may be operable to select both the operating mode of the atleast one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of theat least one moveable component in response to the input command signalfrom the wearer of the prosthesis.

The processor may include the, or each, predetermined operating profileof the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be located with the prosthesis. The electronicdevice may be located with the wearer of the prosthesis.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof operating a prosthesis having at least one moveable component, the atleast one moveable component having two or more operating modes and atleast one operating parameter, and an electronic device operable tocontrol the operation of the at least one moveable component of theprosthesis, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing the electronic device with an input command signal        from the wearer of the prosthesis; and    -   using the electronic device to select both an operating mode of        the at least one moveable component and at least one operating        parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to        the input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The moveable component may be a digit of a hand prosthesis. The digitmay be a finger or a thumb of a hand prosthesis. The digits may bemoveable relative to a body part to which they are attached. The digitsmay be rotatably and/or pivotably moveable relative to a body part towhich they are attached. The body part may be attachable to the wearerof the prosthesis.

The prosthesis may be configured such that it is attachable to apartial-hand amputee. That is, the prosthesis may be arranged such thatit is attachable to a wearer who is missing one or more fingers or athumb from their hand, with the moveable components replacing themissing fingers or thumb.

The moveable component may be a body part to which a digit may beattached. The moveable component may be a hand chassis. The moveablecomponent may be a wrist or cuff component. The body part or handchassis may be rotatably attachable to the wearer of the prosthesis.

The term operating mode is considered here to mean an operating movementof the moveable component in response to an input command signal fromthe wearer of the prosthesis. When the prosthesis comprises two or moremoveable components, the term operating mode is considered to mean theoperational interaction between the moveable components in response toan input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

Each operating mode provides for a discrete operating movement of themoveable component. When the prosthesis comprises two or more moveablecomponents, each operating mode provides for a discrete operationalinteraction between the moveable components. The operational interactionbetween the moveable components may include functional tasks that thewearer of the prosthesis wishes the components to perform, such aspressing the components together in a pinching action, or moving thecomponents to a desired position to create a gesture, such as pointing.

The term operating parameter is considered here to mean an operatingcondition of the moveable component in response to an input commandsignal from the wearer of the prosthesis. The operating parameter of themoveable component may include its speed, acceleration, deceleration,force, operating duration, amount of extension, amount of flexion, angleof rotation etc.

The operating parameter of the moveable component may be proportional tothe input command signal. That is, the operating condition of themoveable component may be proportional to the input command signal.

The electronic device may be operable to select both the operating modeof the at least one moveable component and the operating parameters ofthe moveable components in response to an input command signal from thewearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to simultaneously select both theoperating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be provided with a single input command signalfrom the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to select both the operating modeof the at least one moveable component and at least one operatingparameter of the at least one moveable component in response to a singleinput command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The at least one moveable component may have a plurality of operatingmodes.

The prosthesis may comprise a plurality of moveable components. Eachmoveable component may have two or more operating modes and at least oneoperating parameter.

Each moveable component may have a plurality of operating parameters.

The electronic device may be operable to select one of the plurality ofoperating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be operable to select one of the plurality ofoperating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one moveable component in responseto a predetermined input command signal from the wearer of theprosthesis.

Each predetermined input command signal may result in selection of acorresponding predetermined operating mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and at least one operating parameter of the at least onemoveable component.

The input command signal may comprise two or more input signals from thewearer of the prosthesis. The input command signal may comprise aplurality of input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided viaone or more switches. The switches may be analogue or digital switches.The switches may be actuated by residual movement of the wearer of theprosthesis, wrist and/or shoulder movement of the wearer of theprosthesis, movement of the remnant digits and/or knuckles, or the like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided byelectrophysiological signals derived from the activity of, or from,surface electromyographic (EMG) and intramuscular activity of residualmuscle actions of the wearer of the prosthesis, electroneurographic(ENG) activity of residual peripheral nerves of the wearer of theprosthesis, signals derived from one or more neural implants in thewearer of the prosthesis implanted in the brain or spinal cord, EMGactivity from re-innervated muscles, muscles of the feet and/or chest,or the like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided bynon-electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of pressuresensitive resistors on the wearer of the prosthesis, near infraredspectroscopy signal, or bend sensitive resistors on the wearer of thebody to capture any residual movement of the digits, wrist, elbow orshoulder of the wearer of the prosthesis, or the like.

The input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis may be provideddirectly by signals derived from neural, spinal or muscular activity,for example, electromyographic (EMG) activity of hand muscle/forearmmuscle actions, or residual muscle actions, of the wearer of theprosthesis recorded non-invasively from the surface of the skin orinvasively from superficial or deep muscular structures with usingneedle or an array of needle electrodes. The prosthesis may becontrolled by the activity of any combination of intrinsic and extrinsichand muscle group, such as muscles in the thenar and hypothenar muscles,the interossei muscles originating between the metacarpal bones, thelong flexors and extensors in the forearm, e.g. extensor pollicis longusmuscle, extensor/flexor indicis muscle, or the like.

The input signals may be the results, or signature of the recordedsignal of a mathematical operation on the electrophysiological ornon-electrophysiological measurements from the wearer of the prosthesis.For example, if the measurement is an EMG signal, the signature of theEMG may be the amplitude or the energy of the signal.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the time domain may be:amplitude (Mean absolute value of EMG and all its variations), energy(Square integral, Variance, Root means square (RMS)), number of zerocrossing, Wilson amplitude, waveform length, slope sign change, orhistogram of EMG.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the frequency domainmay be: autoregressive and spectral coefficients or median and meanfrequency.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in the time-frequency maybe: coefficients of the short time Fourier transform, or discrete orcontinuous wavelet coefficients.

The mathematical signatures of the EMG signal in higher order statisticsmay be: skewness or kurtosis of EMG or any other highereven-or-odd-order statistics, entropy or negentropy.

These signatures and others may be repeated for each of the inputsignals to the algorithm. Any combination of static and dynamicsignature extraction may also be used.

It should also be appreciated that the above signatures may be extractedand a dimensionality reduction technique may be used, such as principalcomponent analysis, to reduce to input dimensions to 2,3, . . . etc.

The method may comprise the further step of providing the electronicdevice with a predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis. Themethod may comprise the further step of providing the electronic devicewith one or more predetermined operating profiles of the prosthesis.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis mayinclude an operating profile of the input command signal, operating modeof the moveable component and operating parameter(s) of the moveablecomponent of the prosthesis.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may bebased on one or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis toproduce an input command signal which results in selection of both theoperating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least oneoperating parameter of the at least one of the moveable component.

The electronic device may be operable to modify the, or each,predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis to a modifiedoperating profile. In this arrangement the electronic device may beoperable to modify the, or each, predetermined operating profile to anew operating profile that the wearer of the prosthesis finds easier tooperate. The modification of the, or each, predetermined operatingprofile may be reinforcement learning, iterative learning, co-adaptivecontrol or the like.

The electronic device may be operable to switch between two or morepredetermined operating profiles.

The or each, predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may bebased on one or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis toproduce an input command signal which results in simultaneous selectionof both the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and atleast one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.

The electronic device may include a predetermined operating profile ofthe prosthesis. The predetermined operating profile of the prosthesismay include an operating profile of the input command signal, operatingmode of the moveable component and operating parameter(s) of themoveable component of the prosthesis.

The predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may be based onone or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis to producean input command signal which results in selection of both the operatingmode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operatingparameter of the at least one moveable component.

The predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis may be based onone or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis to producean input command signal which results in simultaneous selection of boththe operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at leastone operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.

The method may comprise the further step of using the electronic deviceto produce an output signal indicative of the operative mode of the atleast one moveable component and/or the operating parameter of the atleast one moveable component.

The electronic device may be further operable to produce an outputsignal indicative of the operative mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and/or the operating parameter of the at least one moveablecomponent.

The electronic device may be further operable to produce an outputsignal indicative of the operative mode of the at least one moveablecomponent and the operating parameters of the moveable component.

The method of the invention may comprise the further step ofcommunicating output signal to the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be further operable to communicate the outputsignal to the wearer of the prosthesis.

The output signal may be communicated to the wearer of the prosthesisvisually, kinaesthetically, aurally or neurally.

The output signal may be communicated non-invasively to the wearer ofthe prosthesis via electro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation of thebody skin. The electro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation to the bodyskin may be provided at the forearm, shoulder, neck, or the like.

The method may comprise the further step of using the electronic deviceto process the input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.The method may comprise the further step of using the electronic deviceto process the input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be further operable to process the inputcommand signal from the wearer of the prosthesis. The electronic devicemay be further operable to process the input signals from the wearer ofthe prosthesis.

The method may comprise the further step of using the electronic deviceto pre-process the input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis. Themethod may comprise the further step of using the electronic device topre-process the input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis topredict the intended input command signal. The method may comprise thefurther step of using the electronic device to select both an operatingmode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operatingparameter of the at least one moveable component in response to thepredicted an input command signal.

The electronic device may be further operable to pre-process the inputsignals from the wearer of the prosthesis. The electronic device may befurther operable to pre-process the input signals from the wearer of theprosthesis to predict the intended input command signal. The electronicdevice may be further operable to select both an operating mode of theat least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter ofthe at least one moveable component in response to the predicted aninput command signal.

The electronic device may include a processor. The processor may beoperable to control the operation of the prosthesis. The processor maybe operable to control the operation of the moveable component of theprosthesis. The processor may be operable to select both the operatingmode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operatingparameter of the at least one moveable component in response to theinput command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.

The electronic device may include firmware. The firmware may be operableto control the operation of the prosthesis. The firmware may be operableto control the operation of the moveable components of the prosthesis.The firmware may be operable to select both the operating mode of the atleast one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of theat least one moveable component in response to the input command signalfrom the wearer of the prosthesis.

The processor may include the, or each, predetermined operating profileof the prosthesis.

The electronic device may be located with the prosthesis. The electronicdevice may be located with the wearer of the prosthesis.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 illustrates a prosthesis according to the present inventionfitted to a partial-hand amputee;

FIGS. 2 to 8 illustrate a “full hand” prosthesis according to thepresent invention in a number of operating modes;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative example of a predetermined operating profileof the prosthesis with two input control signals;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of a predetermined operating profileof the prosthesis with n input control signals; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of theprosthesis.

FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a prosthesis 10 according to the presentinvention. FIG. 1 illustrates a prosthesis 10 a of the present inventionfitted to a hand 1 of a partial-hand amputee. FIGS. 2 to 8 illustratethe prosthesis 10 b of the present invention in a “full hand”configuration, which replaces the entire hand of an amputee.

With reference to FIG. 1, the prosthesis 10 a is fitted to apartial-hand amputee that is missing their thumb and forefinger. Theremaining fingers have the reference number 2. The prosthesis 10 acomprises two moveable digits 12 (thumb 12 a and forefinger 12 b), whichare examples of moveable components. The digits 12 are attached to abody part 14 (hand chassis). The body part 14 is attachable to the limbof the amputee in a known manner. The digits 12 are arranged such thatthey can rotate and/or pivot with respect to the body part 14. Thedigits 12 are powered digits, such as those disclosed in WO 2007/063266and WO 1995/24875. The digits 12 are therefore mechanically operateddigit members that are moved by an electric motor.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the “full hand” prosthesis 10 bcomprises a body part 14 and five digits 12 (a thumb 12 a and fourfingers 12 b). The body part 14 is rotatably attached to an attachmentcomponent 16, which is used to attach the prosthesis 10 b to the wearer.In this arrangement the prosthesis 10 b is a replacement for the entirehand of the amputee.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 and explained below, the finger digits 12b may pivot with respect to the body part 14 and, as is known in theart, flex and extend in the same manner as a human finger. In additionto flexing and extending, the thumb digit 12 a may also pivot withrespect to the body part 14, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and explainedfurther below. It should also be appreciated that the body part 14itself may be a moveable component. For example, in the case of the“full hand” prosthesis 10 b of FIGS. 2 to 8, the body part 14 may rotaterelative to the attachment component 16, which is fitted to the wearerof the prosthesis. The body part 14 may be motor driven with respect tothe attachment component 16. In this case, the body part 14 can performthe function of “wrist rotation” in the same manner as a human hand.

As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, the digits 12 ofthe prosthesis 10 a, 10 b are moveable with respect to the body part 14such that the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may provide a plurality of handconfigurations, gestures and operations that are similar to thoseperformed by a healthy human hand.

FIGS. 1 and 4 to 7 illustrate configurations of the prosthesis 10 a, 10b operating in “pinch” mode, i.e. where the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b isoperated to bring thumb digit 12 a and the forefinger digit 12 b intoand out of contact with one another. FIG. 2 illustrates a “pointing”gesture, where the forefinger digit 12 b is extended and the otherfinger digits 12 b are “closed”. FIG. 3 illustrates a “grasp”configuration, where the prosthesis 10 b would be used to hold anobject. FIG. 8 illustrates a “waving” gesture, where the digits 12 areextended and the thumb digit 12 a is rotated away from the body part 14.The rotation of the entire thumb digit 12 a relative to the body part 14can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. Again, itshould be noted that the body part 14 of FIGS. 2 to 8 may rotaterelative to the attachment component 16.

The configurations and gestures illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 may beconsidered to be the operating modes of the digits 12 of the prosthesis10 a, 10 b. The rotation of the body part 14 relative to the attachmentcomponent 16 may also be considered as an operating mode of the bodypart 14 of the prosthesis 10 b. The direction of rotation of the bodypart 14 may be considered as an operating mode thereof. The prosthesis10 a, 10 b may thus be considered as having a plurality of operatingmodes. The operating modes are selected by the wearer of the prosthesis10 a, 10 b depending on the operation they wish the prosthesis 10 a, 10b to perform.

The digits 12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b also have a number ofoperating parameters. That is, the digits 12 have a number of operatingconditions, such as their speed of movement, acceleration, deceleration,applied force, operating duration, amount of extension, amount offlexion and angle of rotation. The body part 14 also includes a numberof operating conditions, such as its speed of movement, acceleration,deceleration, applied force, operating duration and angle of rotation.The prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may thus be considered as having a pluralityof operating parameters. The operating parameters are selected by thewearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b depending on the operation they wishthe prosthesis 10 a, 10 b to perform.

The prosthesis 10 a, 10 b also comprises an electronic device 18 whichcontrols the operation of the digits 12 (and body part 14 for the “fullhand” prosthesis 10 b). The electronic device 18 includes a processorand firmware (not shown) which together control the operation of thedigits 12.

The electronic device 18 may be located within the body part 14, oralternatively be located on the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b.

The electronic device 18 controls the operation of the digits 12 inresponse to one or more input control signals from the wearer. In theembodiments illustrated and described here the input control signals arederived from electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of,or from, surface electromyographic (EMG) or intramuscular activity ofresidual muscle actions of the wearer of the prosthesis.

For the “partial-hand” prosthesis 10 a illustrated in FIG. 1, the inputcontrol signals come from two electromyographic (EMG) sensors 20located, for example, on the thenar muscle group 22 and the hypothenarmuscle group 24. For the “full hand” prosthesis 10 b illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 8, the input control signals come from two electromyographic(EMG) sensors (not shown) located on, for example, the muscle groups ofthe arm of the wearer. The electrophysiological signals produced fromthe residual muscles to which the EMG sensors 20 are attached areproportional to the activity of the muscles. Thus, the input controlsignals from the EMG sensors 20 allow proportional control of the digits12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. For example, this allows the wearer toproportionally control the speed of the operation of the digits 12.

It should be appreciated that any number of input signals and EMGsensors 20 could be used to control the operation of the digits 12 ofthe prosthesis.

The electronic device 18 is operable to select both an operating mode ofthe digits 12 and at least one operating parameter of the digits 12 inresponse to an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis 10a, 10 b. For example, the electronic device 18 is operable to select the“pinch” mode of FIG. 4 with a slow speed of movement and low pinch forceof the digits 12 in response to a single input command signal from thewearer. Such an operation of the prosthesis 10 b may be desired by thewearer when, for example, they wish to pick up a delicate object.

The electronic device 18 processes the input control signals from theEMG sensors 20 and produces the input command signal to control thedigits 12. It is important to note that the input command signal is asingle signal which selects both the operating mode and the operatingparameter(s) of the digits 12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b.

The electronic device 18 includes a predetermined operating profile 26of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. An example predetermined operating profile26 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thepredetermined operating profile 26 provides for determination of theinput command signal for the electronic device 18 in response to theinput control signals from the EMG sensors 20 on the wearer of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b.

FIG. 9 illustrates the predetermined operating profile of a prosthesiswith two input signals and FIG. 10 illustrates the predeterminedoperating profile of a prosthesis with n input signals. FIG. 10 isessentially a n dimensional version of the predetermined operatingprofile of FIG. 9.

With reference to FIG. 9, the predetermined operating profile 26provides an input command signal P for the electronic device 18 inresponse to two input control signals p1, p2 from the EMG sensors 20 onthe wearer. As illustrated, the operating profile 26 is arranged into anumber of areas 28. Each area 28 represents an operating mode andoperating parameter of the digits 12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b.Therefore, the input control signals p1, p2 from the EMG sensors 20 onthe wearer determine which area 28 the point P lies, which, in turn,determines the input command signal P for the electronic device 18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 and described here, theoperating profile 26 includes four segments 30 a to 30 d. Each segment30 a to 30 d represents a different operating mode of the digits 12 ofthe prosthesis 10 a, 10 b and each area 28 a to 28 c represents a valueor magnitude of an operating parameter of the digits 12 of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b. Level 1 to m indicates, for example, the value ormagnitude of the input control signals p1, p2. For example, segment 30 acould represent the “pinch” mode (FIGS. 4 and 5) of the digits 12 andarea 28 a thereof could represent a minimum applied force of the digits12, i.e. a strong pinch. In another example, segment 30 d couldrepresent the “point” gesture mode (FIG. 2) of the digits 12 and thearea 28 c thereof could represent the speed of extension of theforefinger digit 12 b. However, it should be appreciated that theoperating profile 26 is configurable to meet the needs, demands and/orabilities of the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. For example, theoperating profile 26 may include any number of segments 30 and areas 28therein. The number of segments 30 may be selected by the wearerdepending on how many operating modes they wish to use. The number ofsegments 30 may only be limited by the number of operating modes thatthe digits 12 have. Similarly, the number of areas 28 in the segments 30may be chosen by the wearer depending on the number of options they wishto control the operating parameter(s) of the digits 12.

With reference to FIG. 10, the use of two or more input control signalsp1, p2, pn, dramatically increases the number of segments 30 and areas28 available to the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. Each segment 30and area 28 is again representative of a different operating mode of thedigits 12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b and a value or magnitude of anoperating parameter of the digits 12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. Usingmore input control signals dramatically increases the control optionsand level of control offered to the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b.Again, it should be appreciated that the operating profile 26 isconfigurable to meet the demands and/or abilities of the wearer of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b.

As described above, it is important to note that the operating profile26 is entirely configurable to meet the demands and abilities of thewearer. That is, it is not essential that the areas 28 of the operatingprofile 26 be arranged in any particular sequence or order, such asthose illustrated and described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.It is, however, important that any given area 28 is representative of achosen operating mode and operating parameter(s) selected by the wearerof the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b, and that the wearer of the prosthesis 10a, 10 b knows the input signals p1, p2, etc. required to obtain theinput command signal P for the electronic device 18 to control thedigits 12.

It is also important to note that the boundaries and the size of theareas 28 may be configured depending on the needs, demands and abilitiesof the wearer, or by the wearer, clinician or intelligently by theelectronic control device 18.

As described above, the electronic device 18 includes the predeterminedoperating profile 26. The predetermined operating profile 26 is, forexample, stored in the firmware of the electronic device 18. Theelectronic device 18 processes the input control signals p1, p2, pn,from the EMG sensors 20 on the wearer and determines the input commandsignal P from the operating profile 26. The electronic device 18 thenuses this input command signal P to control the operation of the digits12 of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b in the manner desired by the wearer. Asdescribed above, the input command signal P is a single signal whichresults in selection of both the operating mode of the digits 12 of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b and the operating parameters(s) of the digits 12of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b.

The electronic device 18 is also capable of pre-processing the inputsignals p1, p2, etc. to predict the intended input command signal P fromthe wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. The pre-processing andprediction of the intended input command signal P is carried out by thefirmware and processor of the electronic device 18. The electronicdevice 18 is then capable of selecting both the operating mode of thedigits 12 and the operating parameter(s) of the digits 12 on the basisof the predicted input command signal P′. This function is useful wherethe wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b repeats the same action on aregular basis. It also reduces the time taken select the operating modeof the digits 12 and the operating parameter(s) of the digits 12. This“predictive” function can be switched on and off by the wearer asrequired.

The electronic device 18 is also capable of producing a feedback signalF to the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b which is indicative of theoperating mode of the digits 12 and the operating parameter(s) of thedigits 12 (see FIG. 11). The feedback signal F is an signal output bythe electronic device 18 which may be communicated to the wearervisually, kinaesthetically, aurally or neurally. The feedback signal Fmay be communicated non-invasively to the wearer of the prosthesis viaelectro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation of the body skin. Theelectro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation to the body skin may beprovided at the forearm, shoulder, neck, or the like. This function isuseful when, for example, the wearer cannot see the prosthesis 10 a, 10b and cannot visually check that the intended operation is being carriedout, i.e. that the input command signal is correct.

The prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may include a plurality of predeterminedoperating profiles 26. Each predetermined operating profile 26 may haveits own arrangement of boundaries and size of the areas 28, depending onthe needs, demands and abilities of the wearer, clinician orintelligently by the electronic control device 18.

The electronic device 18 is also capable of selecting a predeterminedoperating profile 26 from the plurality of predetermined operatingprofiles 26 that may be available. The electronic device 18 is alsocapable of switching between two predetermined operating profiles 26.

The ability to switch between two, or more, predetermined operatingprofiles 26 may be useful if the wearer of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 bbecomes fatigued. The electronic device 18 may therefore be configuredto switch between a “normal” mode (a first predetermined operatingprofile) and a “fatigue” mode (a second predetermined operatingprofile). The switch between the two modes may be decided by the wearerof the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b, or automatically decided by the electronicdevice 18. If the switch between the two modes is decided by the wearer,the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may be provided with a mechanical switch, orthe like, to effect the selection of the desired predetermined operatingprofile 26. If the switch between the two modes is decided by theelectronic device 18, the electronic device 18 may be provided withsoftware to effect the selection of the desired predetermined operatingprofile 26.

In this arrangement the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b is configured such that itcan measure the wearer's muscle fatigue. Fatigue measurement can be viamonitoring the power spectrum of the electromyogram signal in time or inthe frequency domain, e.g. a decrease in median power frequency can showincrease in fatigue.

Detection of the onset of fatigue can be via many approaches, such as(i) if the signature of fatigue crosses a threshold, (ii) via supervisedand unsupervised pattern recognition, such as neural networks,dimensionality reduction or clustering techniques and (iii) predictivecontrol and time series nowcasting and forecasting.

The process of adjusting for fatigue can be either via recalibration bya clinician, or intelligently by an adaptive algorithm that can re-tunethe predetermined operating profile 26.

Fatigue can cause change in two parameters (or both) in the controlsystem: (i) involuntary co-contraction of muscles that control the hand(In this case in FIG. 9, boundaries of 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d will beadjusted (manually or intelligently) to minimise the effect of fatigue.)and (ii) reduction in the amplitude of the EMG (In this case in FIG. 9,margins 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d and level 0 will be adjusted (manuallyor intelligently) to minimize the effect of fatigue.)

With reference to FIG. 11, the operation of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 bwill now be described. As described above, before the prosthesis 10 a,10 b can be used by the wearer it is necessary to create an operatingprofile 26 for the wearer. While it is possible for the wearer to beprovided with an existing operating profile, it is likely that thewearer will wish to create their own operating profile 26, which, asdescribed above, is based on their needs, abilities and available inputcontrol signal options.

An important part of the creation of the operating profile 26 is thewearer learning to use muscle groups, such as the thenar and hypothenarmuscle groups, to produce the input command signal P. This activityinvolves the wearer using muscle groups (and potentially other inputsignal functions) which are non-intuitive to the wearer, i.e. there isno “intuitive” link between the input control signal and the desiredfunction of the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b. That is, the movement of thedigit(s) 12 can be initiated and controlled by, for example, a muscle(or a combination of n muscle activity) that does not necessarilycontrol the function of that digit(s) before amputation, i.e. in healthyand able-bodied condition. For example, the thumb muscle can control themovement of the little finger or the wrist. However, after a period oftraining and learning to create and control the input signals p1, p2etc. an operating profile 26 is created which the wearer is comfortablewith and can easily use.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an example of the operational controlof the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b will now be described. When a wearer of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b is learning how to use the prosthesis 10 a, 10 band how to configure their operating profile 26, the operating profile26 may be displayed on a computer screen in real time with the inputcontrol signals p1, p2, pn producing the input command signal P on theoperating profile 26. The input command signal P in this example may beconsidered as a cursor, which is moved around the operating profile 26in dependence on the input control signals p1, p2, pn from the wearer.

In a rest position, i.e. where there is no input control signals p1, p2,pn from the wearer, the cursor is located at the origin O. To triggerthe creation of an input command signal P the cursor should remain in anarea 28 for a predetermined period. This period may be of the order of tmilliseconds. With reference to FIG. 9, if the cursor is moved to, forexample, area 28 c, and stays there for less than t milliseconds, thenquickly moves to an adjacent area 28 c, and remains there for tmilliseconds, then two predetermined operations are triggered one afterthe other. In order to avoid such rapid selection of predeterminedoperations, t may be set to, for example, 200 milliseconds. The value ofthe period t may be selected on the requirements of the wearer.

In known prostheses, if a mode of operation is triggered by EMGactivity, the hand stays in that mode until the wearer changes the modeby producing, for example, some other muscle activity. In the presentinvention the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may be operated as follows: if thesegment 30 d, for example, is associated with a “pinch” function and thewearer initiates a pinch function, in order to keep the pinch, thewearer should continue to produce input control signals p1, p2, pn inthe same way to keep the cursor (input command signal P) in the samearea 28 of the segment 30. As soon as the wearer relaxes the controllingmuscles, the cursor goes back to the origin O.

The predetermined operating profile 26 may have an absolute activitythreshold (Level 0) and the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b may have twooperational conditions. In the first operation condition the operatingprofile 26 may have an absolute activity threshold, i.e. there is alevel 0. If the input control signals p1, p2, pn are such that thecursor is below the level 0 the whole hand electronics shuts off to saveenergy. The microprocessors of the electronic device 18 wake up every xmilliseconds to check the status. If the input control signals p1, p2,pn are such that the cursor is still below the level 0, the electronicsremain switched off. If the input control signals p1, p2, pn are suchthat the cursor is above the level 0, the cursor is moved to thisposition.

The gap between the level 0 position and the level 1 position is alsoconsidered as an area 28, as described above, and results in theselection of both an operating mode and operating parameter(s) of thedigits 12. This operating mode and operating parameter(s) may be, forexample, a “hand open” configuration, a “thumb park” configuration, or a“predetermined natural hand configuration”. If the input control signalsp1, p2, pn are such that the cursor goes through the gap between thelevel 0 and level 1 zones and stays there for t>200 milliseconds, theoperating mode and operating parameter(s) are selected in the samemanner as described above for areas 28.

If the input control signals p1, p2, pn are such that the cursor goesthrough the gap between the level 0 and level 1 zones and stays therefor t<200 milliseconds and then travels to the area below level 0, theelectronic device 18 shuts off and the prosthesis 10 a, 10 b ismaintained in the last configuration (i.e. operating mode andparameter(s)).

To open the hand, or to go to any other relax mode of operation, e.g.natural rest, the wearer may again take the cursor to the gap areabetween level 0 and level 1.

In the second operation condition the operating profile 26 may not havean absolute activity threshold, i.e. there is no level 0. In thisarrangement the gap between the origin O and level 1 commands apredetermined operating mode and operating parameter(s) of theprosthesis 10 a, 10 b, e.g. “hand open”, “thumb park”, or a“predetermined natural hand configuration”, i.e. relax mode. In thisarrangement the electronic device 18 may still power down theelectronics, as above.

The only difference between the first and second operating conditions isthat in the second operating condition the hand does not keep the lastgesture (operating mode and parameter(s)) when there are no inputcontrol signals p1, p2, pn, it opens regardless.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, input control signals p1, p2, pn are providedfrom the EMG sensors 20 on the wearer. The electronic device 18 acquiresand processes the input control signals p1, p2, pn. The processing mayinclude some signal processing, filtering etc., as is known in the art.The electronic device 18 then uses the operating profile 26 to determinethe input command signal P from the input control signals p1, p2, pn.Once the input command signal P has been determined the electronicdevice 18 controls the digits 12 in the desired manner. That is, theelectronic device 18 selects both the operating mode of the digits 12and the operating parameter(s) of the digits 12 in dependence of theinput command signal P. Note: the electronic device 18 may be set topredict the intended input command signal P from the wearer. If this isthe case the “Adaptive Decision Making” step is performed.

FIG. 11 also illustrates the operation of the feedback signal F to thewearer. It should be noted that the feedback signal F is fed back to thewearer in the “Feedback Generator” step.

The prosthesis 10 a, 10 b of the present invention provides the wearerthe flexibility of commanding a large number of different grip patterns(operating modes and parameters) by the provision of a single inputcommand signal. With known prostheses, if a wearer wishes to select orchange grip pattern they typically have to perform a number ofindividual pulse or co-contraction stages, e.g. the wearer has toprovide a first input command signal to select the operating mode of thedigits and then has to provide a second input command signal to selectthe operating parameter of the digits. Operating a prosthesis in thismanner is time consuming, frustrating and tiring. The prosthesis 10 a,10 b of the present invention solves this problem by allowing theoperating mode and operating parameter(s) to be selected by a singleinput command signal.

Modification and improvements may be made to the above without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. For example, although theprosthesis 10 a has been illustrated and described above has having twodigits (thumb digit 12 a and forefinger digit 12 b), it should beappreciated that the prosthesis 10 a may have more than two digits 12.

Furthermore, although the moveable component has mainly been referred toabove as the digits 12, is should be appreciated that the moveablecomponent may include the body part 14 to which the digits 12 areattached.

Also, although the present invention has principally been described as aprosthesis, it should also be appreciated that the invention could alsobe described, and is applicable to, an orthosis. That is, a furtheraspect of the present invention is an orthosis comprising: at least onemoveable component, wherein the at least one moveable component has twoor more operating modes and at least one operating parameter; and anelectronic device operable to select both an operating mode of the atleast one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of theat least one moveable component in response to an input command signalfrom the wearer of the prosthesis.

In this arrangement, the digits may be toes.

Furthermore, although the input control signals p1, p2 etc. have beendescribed above as coming from EMG control signals 20, it should beappreciated that the input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis maybe provided via one or more switches. The switches may be analogue ordigital switches. The switches may be actuated by residual movement ofthe wearer of the prosthesis, wrist and/or shoulder movement of thewearer of the prosthesis, movement of the remnant digits and/orknuckles, or the like. The input signals from the wearer of theprosthesis may be provided by electrophysiological signals derived fromthe activity of, or from, surface electromyographic (EMG) andintramuscular activity of residual muscle actions of the wearer of theprosthesis, electroneurographic (ENG) activity of residual peripheralnerves of the wearer of the prosthesis, pressure sensitive resistors onthe wearer of the prosthesis, signals derived from one or more neuralimplants in the wearer of the prosthesis implanted in the brain orspinal cord, EMG activity from reinnervated muscles, muscles of the feetand/or chest, or the like. The input signals from the wearer of theprosthesis may be provided by non-electrophysiological signals derivedfrom the activity pressure or bend sensitive resistors on the wearer ofthe body to capture any residual movement digits, wrist, elbow orshoulder of the wearer of the prosthesis or the like. The input signalsfrom the wearer of the prosthesis may be provided by signals derivedfrom the activity of, or from, electromyographic (EMG) activity of handmuscle actions, or residual muscle actions, of the wearer of theprosthesis recorded non-invasively from the skin or invasively from deepmuscular structures. The prosthesis may be controlled by the activity ofany combination of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscle group, such asmuscles in the thenar and hypothenar muscles, the interossei musclesoriginating between the metacarpal bones, the long flexors and extensorsin the forearm, e.g. extensor pollicis longus muscle, extensor/flexorindicis muscle, or the like.

Also, it should be appreciated that the input control signals p1, p2etc. may be produced from any combination of the above-referenced inputsignal options.

Furthermore, although the electronic device has been described above asbeing operable to select both an operating mode and an operatingparameter(s) of the digits in response to an input command signal fromthe wearer, it should be appreciated that the electronic device may beoperable to select one or more sequences of operating modes andoperating parameter(s) of the digits in response to an input commandsignal from the wearer. This would allow the wearer to perform, forexample, a number of tasks in a chosen order, such as the gesture pointof FIG. 2 followed by the gesture wave of FIG. 8.

1. A method of operating a prosthesis having at least one moveable component and an electronic control device, the at least one moveable component having two or more operating modes and at least one operating parameter, the method comprising: receiving at least one input control signal from the wearer of the prosthesis; comparing the at least one input control signal with an operating profile stored in the electronic control device in order to determine a desired operating mode and operating parameter; and instructing the moveable component to move in accordance with the desired operating mode and operating parameter.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: storing input control signals received so as to establish an input control signal pattern; and predicting a desired operating mode and operating parameter based upon the input control signal pattern upon receiving the at least one control signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising a final step of sending a feedback signal to the wearer of the prosthesis, the feedback signal indicative of the selected operating mode and operating parameter.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating profile is divided into a plurality of regions, each region representing a separate operating mode and operating parameter, and wherein the comparison step comprises plotting in one of the plurality of regions a resultant input command signal based upon the one or more input control signals, and determining the operating mode and operating parameter associated with that region.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one input control signal is generated by one or more sensors attached to the wearer of the prosthesis.
 6. A prosthesis comprising: at least one moveable component, the component having two or more operating modes and at least one operating parameter; and an electronic control device storing an operating profile; wherein the control device receives at least one input control signal from a wearer of the prosthesis, compares the at least one input control signal with the operating profile to determine a desired operating mode and operating parameter for the component, and instructs the component to move in accordance with the desired operating mode and operating parameter.
 7. The prosthesis of claim 6, wherein the electronic control device includes a memory for storing input control signals received so as to establish an input control signal pattern, and a program which predicts a desired operating mode and operating parameter based upon the input control signal pattern upon receiving the at least one control signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 8. The prosthesis of claim 6, wherein the electronic control device includes a signal generator which sends a feedback signal to the wearer of the prosthesis, the feedback signal indicative of the selected operating mode and operating parameter.
 9. The prosthesis of claim 6, further comprising one or more sensors attached to the wearer of the prosthesis for the generation of the at least one input control signal.
 10. A prosthesis comprising: at least one moveable component, wherein the at least one moveable component has two or more operating modes and at least one operating parameter; and an electronic device operable to select both an operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 11. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device is operable to select both the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and the at least one operating parameter of at least one moveable component in response to a single input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 12. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device is operable to select one of a plurality of operating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to a predetermined input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 13. The prosthesis of claim 12, wherein each predetermined input command signal results in selection of a corresponding predetermined operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.
 14. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the input command signal comprises two or more input control signals from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 15. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein each input control signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is provided via one or more analogue or digital switches.
 16. The prosthesis of claim 15, wherein the switches are actuated by a movement selected from the group comprising: residual movement of the wearer of the prosthesis, wrist and/or shoulder movement of the wearer of the prosthesis, and movement of the remnant digits and/or knuckles.
 17. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is selected from the group comprising: electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of, or from, surface electromyographic (EMG) and intramuscular activity of residual muscle actions of the wearer of the prosthesis, electroneurographic (ENG) activity of residual peripheral nerves of the wearer of the prosthesis, signals derived from one or more neural implants in the wearer of the prosthesis implanted in the brain or spinal cord, and EMG activity from reinnervated muscles, muscles of the feet and/or chest.
 18. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is provided by one of the group comprising: non-electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of pressure sensitive resistors on the wearer of the prosthesis, near infrared spectroscopy signal, and bend sensitive resistors on the wearer of the body to capture any residual movement of the digits, wrist, elbow or shoulder of the wearer of the prosthesis.
 19. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein each input signal is the result, or signature, of the recorded signal of a mathematical operation on the electrophysiological or non-electrophysiological measurements from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 20. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device includes one or more predetermined operating profiles of the prosthesis.
 21. The prosthesis of claim 20, wherein the electronic device is operable to modify each predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis to a modified operating profile.
 22. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device is further operable to produce an output signal indicative of at least one of the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and the operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.
 23. The prosthesis of claim 22, wherein the electronic device is further operable to communicate the output signal to the wearer of the prosthesis.
 24. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device is further operable to pre-process each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis to predict the intended input command signal.
 25. The prosthesis of claim 24, wherein the electronic device is further operable to select both an operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to the predicted input command signal.
 26. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device includes a processor operable to control the operation of the prosthesis.
 27. The prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the electronic device includes firmware operable to control the operation of the prosthesis.
 28. A method of operating a prosthesis having at least one moveable component, the at least one moveable component having two or more operating modes and at least one operating parameter, and an electronic device operable to control the operation of the at least one moveable component of the prosthesis, the method comprising the steps of: providing the electronic device with an input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis; and using the electronic device to select both an operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to the input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic device is operable to simultaneously select both the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to the input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic device is operable to select one of a plurality of operating modes of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to a predetermined input command signal from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein each predetermined input command signal results in selection of a corresponding predetermined operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.
 32. The method of claim 28, wherein each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is provided via one or more analogue or digital switches.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the switches are actuated by a movement selected from the group comprising: residual movement of the wearer of the prosthesis, wrist and/or shoulder movement of the wearer of the prosthesis, and movement of the remnant digits and/or knuckles.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is selected from the group comprising: electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of, or from, surface electromyographic (EMG) and intramuscular activity of residual muscle actions of the wearer of the prosthesis, electroneurographic (ENG) activity of residual peripheral nerves of the wearer of the prosthesis, signals derived from one or more neural implants in the wearer of the prosthesis implanted in the brain or spinal cord, and EMG activity from reinnervated muscles, muscles of the feet and/or chest.
 35. The method of claim 28, wherein each input signal from the wearer of the prosthesis is provided by one of the group comprising: non-electrophysiological signals derived from the activity of pressure sensitive resistors on the wearer of the prosthesis, near infrared spectroscopy signal, and bend sensitive resistors on the wearer of the body to capture any residual movement of the digits, wrist, elbow or shoulder of the wearer of the prosthesis.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein each input signal is in response to the recorded signal of a mathematical operation on at least one of the electrophysiological or non-electrophysiological measurements from the wearer of the prosthesis.
 37. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of providing the electronic device with one or more predetermined operating profiles of the prosthesis.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis is based on one or more input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis to produce an input command signal which results in selection of both the operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one of the moveable component.
 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the electronic device is operable to modify the predetermined operating profile of the prosthesis to a modified operating profile.
 40. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of using the electronic device to produce an output signal indicative of at least one of the operative mode of the at least one moveable component and the operating parameter of the at least one moveable component.
 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of communicating output signal to the wearer of the prosthesis.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the output signal is communicated to the wearer of the prosthesis visually, kinaesthetically, aurally or neurally.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein the output signal is communicated non-invasively to the wearer of the prosthesis via electro-tactile or vibro-tactile stimulation of the body skin.
 44. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of using the electronic device to pre-process the input signals from the wearer of the prosthesis to predict the intended input command signal.
 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of using the electronic device to select both an operating mode of the at least one moveable component and at least one operating parameter of the at least one moveable component in response to the predicted input command signal. 